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MARTIN™ - The Journal of Acoustic Guitars

Issue Archives

Available in both print and digital editions, MARTIN™ - The Journal of Acoustic Guitars is published in print and digital formats by C.F. Martin & Co. in January of each year, and in digital format only every July.

MARTIN™ - The Journal of Acoustic Guitars is written exclusively for acoustic guitar enthusiasts, players, dealers, owners and potential buyers. It includes new product announcements, special edition instruments, developments in the string making area, company news, technical information, and more.

New issues can be downloaded as a PDF from Martin's website (requires Adobe Acrobat), or picked up for free at your local authorized Martin dealer while supplies last.

MARTIN™ - The Journal of Acoustic Guitars

The official printed publication of Martin Guitar

MARTIN™ - The Journal of Acoustic Guitars is published by C.F. Martin & Co. in January and July of each year. January issues are available in print and digital formats. July issues are available as digital editions only.

MARTIN™ - The Journal of Acoustic Guitars is written exclusively for acoustic guitar enthusiasts, players, dealers, owners and potential buyers. It includes new product announcements, special edition instruments, developments in the string making area, company news, technical information, and more.

New issues can be accessed in digital format from Martin's website. In February, the latest print issue can be picked up for free at your local authorized Martin dealer while supplies last.

I was ten years old in 1965. The folk boom was peaking, riots erupted in Watts, the Vietnam War wasn’t going well, and rock & roll looked like it might be here to stay. My dad and grandfather were running the company.

My father was part of the current scene. My grandfather was watching a generation in flux. My father was 31 when the D-35 was introduced. We had just moved into a new factory and business was good. Frank Martin was a complex amalgamation of family business heir, beat generation hipster, sports car enthusiast and madman. He was caught up in a vortex of musical styles that were defining the ‘60s, and many of the artists who were doing the defining were playing Martin guitars.

The exact origins of the D-35 are lost to history. We do know that its development is attributed to the scarcity of Brazilian rosewood. In what is probably our first acknowledgement of the challenge of making more guitars out of scarce resources, my dad’s colleagues created the three-piece back D-35. While three-piece backs were not new on guitars, I think it’s safe to say that the Martin D-35 is the most popular three-piece back guitar ever made. The D-35 has a traditional, yet cool, elegance that was — and is — just right.

Press Release Archives

American Songwriter, American Songspace, and Martin Guitar announce The Pub Deal

Friday, September 14 2012 01:00

Nashville, TN - American Songwriter, American Songspace, and Martin Guitar have announced The Pub Deal-- a one of a kind contest that will give away a year-long, $20,000 publishing contract with HoriPro Entertainment Group, Inc.
"We're extending this invitation to the Nashville songwriting community and beyond," said American Songspace Creative Director, John Ritchie. "Whether you've had a publishing deal in the past or never had a chance to get your foot in the door... we're excited to reward someone with that title-- "Professional Songwriter."

2012 SURFER Poll Voting Open with New Ways to Vote

Thursday, September 13 2012 01:00

Vote via Twitter and Instagram using #SurferPollVote or at SurferPoll.com
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. - 2012 brings an election year for America and another chance to "elect" the year's top surfers in the 43rd annual SURFER Poll. Each year, SURFER Poll allows readers to cast their vote for their 10 favorite male and five favorite female athletes who will be honored during the exclusive awards ceremony at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu during the Triple Crown of Surfing. The voting window is now open and extends until October 31st for the 2012 SURFER Poll, a tradition recognized as the only awards in surfing that are completely decided by YOU.

BETHLEHEM, PA - It's been played by Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Now the Nazareth-based C.F. Martin & Co., Inc. the largest producer of acoustic guitars in the U.S., is giving one lucky winner the opportunity to win his or her very own Martin D-28 during Musikfest, the 10-day music festival set for Aug. 3-12 in Bethlehem.

NAZARETH, PA – C.F. Martin & Co. is continuing to expand its already deep-rooted relationships in the country music world with the announcement of its new brand marketing consultant Kate Richardson, who runs the well-respected Richlyn Marketing in Nashville with her partner Lynn Tinsey. Martin Guitar selected Richlyn Marketing for its top-tier artist relations and marketing consulting. The firm will focus on strategic partnerships in aligning the Martin brand with artists, events and media outlets and increasing Martin’s brand awareness amongst the music industry in Nashville.

C.F. Martin & Co. Announces Three new Staff Promotions

Monday, July 09 2012 01:00

Nazareth, PA, July 2, 2012– C. F. Martin & Co. is pleased to announce three new staff promotions: Scott Follweiler to Artist Relations Coordinator, Matt Sysko to Sales Events Manager, and Kristi Bronico to Product Manager-String Division. “Scott, Matt and Kristi are dynamic team players that will bring a heightened level of dedication, focus and passion to their respective positions", said Keith Lombardi, President and COO. “We consider ourselves fortunate to have them as members of the organization and look forward to sharing in their continued success.”

C.F. Martin & Co Announces the Appointment of Kit Culpepper to Director of U.S. Sales

Monday, June 18 2012 01:00

Nazareth, PA – C.F. Martin & Co., the family-owned Nazareth, PA-based manufacturer of acoustic guitars and strings, has announced that Kit Culpepper has been named to the position of Director of U.S. Sales.

The The Life is good Festival enlists the help of Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Sara Bareilles, Michael Franti and The Fresh Beat Band to Raise Money for Kids in Need

Thursday, June 14 2012 01:00

Boston – Life is good®, a Boston-based lifestyle brand committed to spreading the power of optimism and helping kids in need through its products and its nonprofit, The Life is good Playmakers, today announced the lineup for the 2012 Life is good Festival, September 22-23, at Prowse Farm, Canton, Mass. Headliners Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds (Dave and Tim), Sara Bareilles, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and The Fresh Beat Band are among the acts who will perform at the one-of-a-kind fundraising music festival to benefit The Life is good Playmakers, which helps kids overcome poverty, violence and illness by harnessing the healing power of play. One hundred percent of funds raised and all of Life is good’s net profits from the Festival, including Festival merchandise, will be donated to the organization.

C.F. Martin & Co. Announces the Promotion of Fred Greene to the Position of Vice President/General Manager of Guitars

Tuesday, June 12 2012 01:00

NAZARETH, PA - C.F. Martin & Co announced today that Fred Greene will assume the position of Vice President/General Manager of Guitars. In this position Greene, a 25 year guitar industry veteran, will be responsible for many key aspects of Martin's guitar business, including new model designs, manufacturing, materials management and product forecasting. Greene has been with Martin since 2004 previously serving as Vice President of Manufacturing and The Custom Shop, a division which experienced a 30% increase in overall sales in 2011.

C.F. Martin & Co. Announces the Promotion of Nick Colesanti to Vice President of Corporate Operations

Tuesday, June 05 2012 01:00

NAZARETH, PA – June 5, 2012 – C.F. Martin & Co. is pleased to announce today that Nick Colesanti has been named Vice President of Corporate Operations. In his new position, Colesanti will execute a broader leadership role, supporting dynamic growth aimed at growing the brand and implementing effective and efficient operating strategies.

C.F. Martin & Co. Introduces OM Jeff Daniels Custom Artist Edition

Thursday, May 31 2012 01:00

NAZARETH, PA – C. F. Martin & Co. is pleased to introduce a very special Custom Artist Edition Guitar, the OM Jeff Daniels, designed in collaboration with the award-winning film and stage actor who next stars in the lead role in Aaron Sorkin’s upcoming HBO series "The Newsroom."

MartinGuitar and 'stache media partnered with Ace Hotel and La Blogotheque to present Trampled By Turtles in the new online video series, "The Turn Down Sessions." The session was filmed on Monday, April 16th at Liberty Hall at Ace Hotel New York, and was broadcast live on WFUV. The following videos launched today on the Martin Guitar YouTube Channel.

HD Dierks Bentley Custom Signature Artist Edition

Tuesday, May 29 2012 01:00

NAZARETH, PA - C. F. Martin & Co. is thrilled to introduce a very special Custom Signature Artist Edition, the HD Dierks Bentley, designed in collaboration with multi-platinum selling, 10-time Grammy-nominated and CMA Award winning country singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley. The HD Dierks Bentley will feature the classic Martin Dreadnought shape, a fitting choice as Bentley has been a Martin D-28 player for years. Bentley, who is on tour promoting his latest #1 hit album HOME, will unveil the custom model when he performs with it on CMT’s UNPLUGGED, which will air on the CMT Network on May 29. Bentley is the first country artist to perform on the famed series, which is MTV, is helping revive this spring, and Martin Guitar is excited to have its HD custom model share the spotlight.

Martin Guitar Unveils Four New Guitar Models for Spring Season

Tuesday, May 29 2012 01:00

Nazareth, PA - C. F. Martin & Co. is welcoming the spring season with the unveiling of four new outstanding models to add to the brand's already premiere line of instruments. Three new PA1 Series models will be available - DCPA1 Plus, GPCPA1 Plus, OMCPA1 Plus - and a new GPCPA2 Mahogany.

C.F. MARTIN & CO. INTRODUCES HUNTER HAYES AS NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR

Tuesday, May 22 2012 01:00

NAZARETH, PA - C. F. Martin & Co. is thrilled to welcome the multitalented artist, songwriter, producer and performer Hunter Hayes as the company's newest brand ambassador! A 2012 ACM New Artist of the Year nominee, the Louisiana-born multi-instrumentalist has been impressing fans with his guitar prowess since receiving his first guitar from Robert Duvall at age six. Having already performed with some of country music's greatest stars-from June and Johnny Cash to Charlie Daniels, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift- Hayes has an astonishing array of accomplishments under his guitar strap and becoming a Martin brand ambassador can now be added to that list. Hayes will take his Martin 42-style instrument with him on the road this fall when he joins Carrie Underwood on her 2012 "Blown Away" tour.

C.F. Martin & Co. Announces the Promotion of Gregory Paul to Vice President of Business Development

Monday, May 21 2012 01:00

NAZARETH, PA - C.F. Martin & Co. is pleased to announce today that Gregory Paul has been named Vice President of Business Development. A 15-year veteran of the company, Greg played a key role in the company's business and financial strategic accomplishments as the Vice President of Corporate Operations. In his new role, Greg will help map out a broader business vision for the company and will direct strategic research and development activities. He will also provide leadership in managing risk as he heads the company's legal, regulatory, government affairs, intellectual property, and business continuity functions.

C.F. Martin & Co. Announces the Promotion of Amani Duncan to Vice President of Brand Marketing

Monday, April 30 2012 01:00

NAZARETH, PA Recognized by her peers as one of the most dynamic marketing executives in the music business, Amani Duncan was today named Vice President of Brand Marketing for C.F. Martin & Co. Duncan was originally hired in January 2011 as Director of Promotional Marketing, making this the first time that a Martin executive has been promoted to the company's internal Senior Core Team after only one year with the company. Amani is responsible for establishing the company's Global Marketing direction and plays a major role in the achievement of the company's domestic and international sales objectives.

NAZARETH, PA - C.F. Martin & Co.'s recently redesigned website, www.martinguitar.com, has won the Interactive Media Award (IMA) for "Outstanding Achievement" under the category of 'Manufacturing.' The Interactive Media Awards recognize the highest standards of excellence in website design and development and honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievement.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Tim Holden Campaign

Thursday, March 22 2012 16:17

Easton, PA – Congressman Tim Holden's campaign announced today that Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, the Democratic Whip in the US House of Representatives and number two ranking Democratic member in the House will visit Northampton County to campaign on behalf of Congressman Holden. Holden will welcome Hoyer to the Lehigh Valley on Friday, March 23.

C.F. MARTIN & CO. INTRODUCES 00-DB JEFF TWEEDY CUSTOM ARTIST EDITION

Monday, March 19 2012 08:46

NAZARETH, PA - C. F. Martin & Co. is pleased to introduce a very special Custom Artist Edition, the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy, designed in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning Wilco front man, Jeff Tweedy. The new custom guitar body will be unveiled at Musikmesse, which is taking place in Frankfurt this week. This special limited edition instrument will be built for 2 years only and will be available from participating Martin dealerships, a list of which will be provided on the Martin website at www.martinguitar.com.

C.F. MARTIN GUITAR & CO. AND "ONCE" OPEN ON THE GREAT WHITE WAY

Wednesday, March 14 2012 16:53

NAZARETH, PA - Martin Guitar and Strings will be starring in a Broadway show. As part of an exclusive product integration, Martin Guitar and Strings will be the star of a new Broadway show, "Once", the acclaimed musical based on the 2007 ACADEMY AWARD®-winning film of the same name. Throughout its run at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, "Once" will exclusively feature Martin guitars and strings. Currently in previews, the show will officially open on March 18, 2012.

MARTIN GUITAR TO UNVEIL THREE INNOVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AT MUSIKMESSE 2012

Monday, March 12 2012 09:24

Nazareth, PA - C. F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) is bringing some of their outstanding new instruments to the international clientele at the Musikmesse Frankfurt from March 21-24. The iconic acoustic guitar-maker will unveil three innovative guitars that will enhance the brand’s already premiere line of instruments.

C.F. Martin & Co Announces Two New Appointments

Monday, March 12 2012 08:44

Nazareth, PA - C.F. Martin & Co., the family-owned Nazareth, PA-based manufacturer of acoustic guitars and strings, has announced that Larry Barnwell has been appointed as the Director of eCommerce for the company. In his new role, Barnwell will develop and implement programs, objectives and initiatives for all web related sales of Martin products.

MARTIN GUITAR LAUNCHES UPDATED INTERACTIVE WEB PORTAL

Thursday, March 01 2012 09:07

C. F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has today announced the launch of its completely redesigned website, martinguitar.com. Liquid Interactive, a global interactive marketing agency based in Breningsville, PA, was selected to redesign the site in October 2011. The re-design includes the addition of a Guitar Finder feature, allowing easy access to a list of official Martin dealers; an updated 1833 shop e-commerce portal; updated information about the Martin Custom Shop; a more comprehensive database of instrument and string choices; and the official Martin Guitar blog featuring news about the company's offerings as well as the music industry in general.